Tax can feel deeply personal, especially when it comes out of your pay, shows up in the price of what you buy, or applies when an investment makes a gain.

In this episode of Money Mechanics, Scott and Ara unpack why tax exists, what it helps fund, and how it fits into a functioning civil society. They explore the difference between tax as a cost and tax as a contribution, why Australia may feel highly taxed even though it is not at the top of OECD comparisons, and why being tax-aware is very different from being tax-obsessed.

This is a practical, balanced conversation about understanding the system, claiming what you are legally entitled to, and making strong financial decisions based on your long-term after-tax outcome.

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.

Tax can feel deeply personal, especially when it comes out of your pay, shows up in the price of what you buy, or applies when an investment makes a gain.
In this episode of Money Mechanics, Scott and Ara unpack why tax exists, what it helps fund, and how it fits into a functioning civil society. They explore the difference between tax as a cost and tax as a contribution, why Australia may feel highly taxed even though it is not at the top of OECD comparisons, and why being tax-aware is very different from being tax-obsessed.
This is a practical, balanced conversation about understanding the system, claiming what you are legally entitled to, and making strong financial decisions based on your long-term after-tax outcome.
Thanks for listening!&nbsp; We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!
&nbsp;
Check out more about us here:
<a href="http://www.moneymechanics.com.au">www.moneymechanics.com.au</a>
<a href="http://www.scottmalcolm.com.au">www.scottmalcolm.com.au</a>
<a href="https://www.platformplus.com.au/OfficeLegal.aspx?t=ozltyLOCOx3CUEprGCaV%2fv0Y5Vt2DhXlheKWWnXu7ziOrbFGhs4OES6xbWD9dkK4zsu%2bH9MFqmSRctEzB6KzTw%3d%3d">Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.</a>
&nbsp;
Follow and like us on socials:
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/moneymechanics/">@moneymechanics</a>
Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MoneyMechanics">@moneymechanics</a>
&nbsp;
Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523
&nbsp;
General Advice Warning&nbsp;Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. &nbsp;Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. &nbsp;Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance. &nbsp;Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.

As human beings we share a commonality.  We are all born into the financial system in which we live.  On a daily basis we make decisions on how we earn, spend, save, invest and give away our money as well as how willing we are to get into debt.

Welcome to Looking Under the Hood – a podcast all about helping you to unpacking money so you can move towards financial freedom.

I’m Scott Malcolm, I’ve always been curious to understand how things work.  When I was a kid there was that one time, I pulled apart our family toaster to see how it worked – sorry again Mum and Dad!

When I became a financial planner – fresh out of Uni in 2000 I had the same desire to get a deep understanding of the money stuff and how to make it work for you.

What I have learnt and seen working with clients is that the Money stuff is no different.  If you have an understanding of how the system works and how you relate to it, you can empower yourself for a better financial future.

My aim of this podcast is to give you money insights as we ‘look under the hood’ and unpack how the financial system works, and provide some stories around clients situations I have worked with over the last few decades to give you greater understanding of you and the money in your life.

We will kick of our first series to look under the hood and unpack money in the context of the Australian financial system.  While tax and retirement systems change between countries the fundamentals and foundations of money are a shared human experience.

Financial planning weather you are doing it yourself or paying for professional advice, is all about having a decision making framework in place to navigate your life transitions as you move through startup phase, accumulation phase and then into retirement or financial freedom phase.

I look forward to taking on you a journey to unpack your money stuff and get the foundations in place to be living your ideal life.

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

_

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.

Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

Ideally we suggest you speak with a licensed financial planner and seek out personal advice!

As human beings we share a commonality.&nbsp; We are all born into the financial system in which we live.&nbsp; On a daily basis we make decisions on how we earn, spend, save, invest and give away our money as well as how willing we are to get into debt.
Welcome to Looking Under the Hood &ndash; a podcast all about helping you to unpacking money so you can move towards financial freedom.
I&rsquo;m Scott Malcolm, I&rsquo;ve always been curious to understand how things work.&nbsp; When I was a kid there was that one time, I pulled apart our family toaster to see how it worked &ndash; sorry again Mum and Dad!
When I became a financial planner &ndash; fresh out of Uni in 2000 I had the same desire to get a deep understanding of the money stuff and how to make it work for you.
What I have learnt and seen working with clients is that the Money stuff is no different.&nbsp; If you have an understanding of how the system works and how you relate to it, you can empower yourself for a better financial future.
My aim of this podcast is to give you money insights as we &lsquo;look under the hood&rsquo; and unpack how the financial system works, and provide some stories around clients situations I have worked with over the last few decades to give you greater understanding of you and the money in your life.
We will kick of our first series to look under the hood and unpack money in the context of the Australian financial system.&nbsp; While tax and retirement systems change between countries the fundamentals and foundations of money are a shared human experience.
Financial planning weather you are doing it yourself or paying for professional advice, is all about having a decision making framework in place to navigate your life transitions as you move through startup phase, accumulation phase and then into retirement or financial freedom phase.
I look forward to taking on you a journey to unpack your money stuff and get the foundations in place to be living your ideal life.
Thanks for listening!&nbsp; We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!
_
Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523
General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.&nbsp;
Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.
Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. &nbsp;Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance. &nbsp;Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast. &nbsp;
Ideally we suggest you speak with a licensed financial planner and seek out personal advice!

Money Mechanics with Scott Malcolm

Unpacking Tax: the system and why we pay it

Today, we’re talking about something retirement plans often miss: the people, purpose and sense of belonging that make life after work feel rich in every sense of the word.

 

Joining us are two wonderful guests bringing this human side of retirement into sharp focus: Phil McAuliffe from Humans:Connecting, whose work explores loneliness, belonging and relational infrastructure, and Tatia Power from Inclusee, who helps older Australians build confidence, connection and participation.

 

We talked about 21 November.  Australians are invited to take part in Say G’day Day – a simple, powerful reminder that connection starts with a hello.

This grassroots movement encourages individuals, organisations, and communities to prioritise social connection as a vital part of good health.

Started by Inclusee, Say G’day Day is Australia’s local expression of the global event World Hello Day, which has been celebrated in over 180 countries since 1973. The idea is simple: greet ten people to show the power of personal communication in building peace and connection.

 

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.

Today, we&rsquo;re talking about something retirement plans often miss: the people, purpose and sense of belonging that make life after work feel rich in every sense of the word.
&nbsp;
Joining us are two wonderful guests bringing this human side of retirement into sharp focus: Phil McAuliffe from <a href="https://www.humansconnecting.org/">Humans:Connecting</a>, whose work explores loneliness, belonging and relational infrastructure, and Tatia Power from <a href="https://inclusee.org.au/">Inclusee</a>, who helps older Australians build confidence, connection and participation.
&nbsp;
We talked about 21 November.&nbsp; Australians are invited to take part in <a href="https://saygday.org/">Say G&rsquo;day Day&nbsp;</a>&ndash; a simple, powerful reminder that connection starts with a hello.
This grassroots movement encourages individuals, organisations, and communities to prioritise social connection as a vital part of good health.
Started by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inclusee.org.au/">Inclusee</a>, Say G&rsquo;day Day is Australia&rsquo;s local expression of the global event World Hello Day, which has been celebrated in over 180 countries since 1973. The idea is simple: greet ten people to show the&nbsp;power of personal communication in building peace and connection.
&nbsp;
Thanks for listening!&nbsp; We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!
&nbsp;
Check out more about us here:
<a href="http://www.moneymechanics.com.au">www.moneymechanics.com.au</a>
<a href="http://www.scottmalcolm.com.au">www.scottmalcolm.com.au</a>
<a href="https://www.platformplus.com.au/OfficeLegal.aspx?t=ozltyLOCOx3CUEprGCaV%2fv0Y5Vt2DhXlheKWWnXu7ziOrbFGhs4OES6xbWD9dkK4zsu%2bH9MFqmSRctEzB6KzTw%3d%3d">Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.</a>
&nbsp;
Follow and like us on socials:
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/moneymechanics/">@moneymechanics</a>
Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MoneyMechanics">@moneymechanics</a>
&nbsp;
Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523
&nbsp;
General Advice Warning&nbsp;Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. &nbsp;Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. &nbsp;Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance. &nbsp;Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.

Unpacking the Human Side of Retirement:  Why connection matters

In this episode of Unpacking Money, Scott Malcolm and co-host Ara Jansen unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of retirement planning in Australia: the Age Pension. Rather than treating it as an all-or-nothing entitlement, they explore how the Age Pension can fit as one layer within a broader retirement income framework alongside superannuation, savings, investments and lifestyle goals.

 

Scott and Ara break down the key moving parts, including eligibility, income and assets testing, deeming rules, the different treatment of the family home, and why part-pension access can still be valuable. They also discuss why financial decisions should not be made purely to maximise Centrelink outcomes, and how a calm, values-based plan can help retirees feel more informed and prepared.

 

In this episode, we cover:
Why the Age Pension is not simply “yes” or “no”
How the income test and assets test can affect pension entitlement
Why deeming rules matter for savings, shares and super-related assets
How housing, asset mix and lifestyle needs can change retirement outcomes
Why retirement income planning should start with your goals, not just the rules

 

Resources and Calculators:

https://moneysmart.gov.au/retirement-income-sources/age-pension-and-government-benefits

https://www.superguide.com.au/in-retirement/age-pension-calculator

 

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

In this episode of Unpacking Money, Scott Malcolm and co-host Ara Jansen unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of retirement planning in Australia: the Age Pension. Rather than treating it as an all-or-nothing entitlement, they explore how the Age Pension can fit as one layer within a broader retirement income framework alongside superannuation, savings, investments and lifestyle goals.
&nbsp;
Scott and Ara break down the key moving parts, including eligibility, income and assets testing, deeming rules, the different treatment of the family home, and why part-pension access can still be valuable. They also discuss why financial decisions should not be made purely to maximise Centrelink outcomes, and how a calm, values-based plan can help retirees feel more informed and prepared.
&nbsp;
In this episode, we cover:
<ul>
<li>Why the Age Pension is not simply &ldquo;yes&rdquo; or &ldquo;no&rdquo;</li>
<li>How the income test and assets test can affect pension entitlement</li>
<li>Why deeming rules matter for savings, shares and super-related assets</li>
<li>How housing, asset mix and lifestyle needs can change retirement outcomes</li>
<li>Why retirement income planning should start with your goals, not just the rules</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Resources and Calculators:
<a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/retirement-income-sources/age-pension-and-government-benefits">https://moneysmart.gov.au/retirement-income-sources/age-pension-and-government-benefits</a>
<a href="https://www.superguide.com.au/in-retirement/age-pension-calculator">https://www.superguide.com.au/in-retirement/age-pension-calculator</a>
&nbsp;
Thanks for listening!&nbsp; We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!
&nbsp;
Check out more about us here:
<a href="http://www.moneymechanics.com.au">www.moneymechanics.com.au</a>
<a href="http://www.scottmalcolm.com.au">www.scottmalcolm.com.au</a>
<a href="https://www.platformplus.com.au/OfficeLegal.aspx?t=ozltyLOCOx3CUEprGCaV%2fv0Y5Vt2DhXlheKWWnXu7ziOrbFGhs4OES6xbWD9dkK4zsu%2bH9MFqmSRctEzB6KzTw%3d%3d">Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.</a>
&nbsp;
Follow and like us on socials:
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/moneymechanics/">@moneymechanics</a>
Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MoneyMechanics">@moneymechanics</a>
&nbsp;
Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523
&nbsp;
General Advice Warning&nbsp;Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. &nbsp;Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. &nbsp;Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance. &nbsp;Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast. &nbsp;

Unpacking Age Pension: What it can mean for your retirement

In this episode of Unpacking Money, Scott Malcolm and Ara Jansen explore how winter can quietly reshape household spending. From delivery fees, online shopping and takeaway coffees to heating bills, subscriptions and travel daydreams, they unpack the “convenience tax” that can creep into everyday cashflow.

The conversation focuses on practical, low-pressure ways to notice spending patterns, set a weekly convenience cap, build a winter bills buffer and redirect small savings toward goals such as debt reduction, emergency funds, investing or a future holiday. It is not about removing comfort; it is about choosing the comforts that genuinely support the life you want.

 

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.

In this episode of Unpacking Money, Scott Malcolm and Ara Jansen explore how winter can quietly reshape household spending. From delivery fees, online shopping and takeaway coffees to heating bills, subscriptions and travel daydreams, they unpack the &ldquo;convenience tax&rdquo; that can creep into everyday cashflow.
The conversation focuses on practical, low-pressure ways to notice spending patterns, set a weekly convenience cap, build a winter bills buffer and redirect small savings toward goals such as debt reduction, emergency funds, investing or a future holiday. It is not about removing comfort; it is about choosing the comforts that genuinely support the life you want.
&nbsp;
Thanks for listening!&nbsp; We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!
&nbsp;
Check out more about us here:
<a href="http://www.moneymechanics.com.au">www.moneymechanics.com.au</a>
<a href="http://www.scottmalcolm.com.au">www.scottmalcolm.com.au</a>
<a href="https://www.platformplus.com.au/OfficeLegal.aspx?t=ozltyLOCOx3CUEprGCaV%2fv0Y5Vt2DhXlheKWWnXu7ziOrbFGhs4OES6xbWD9dkK4zsu%2bH9MFqmSRctEzB6KzTw%3d%3d">Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.</a>
&nbsp;
Follow and like us on socials:
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/moneymechanics/">@moneymechanics</a>
Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MoneyMechanics">@moneymechanics</a>
&nbsp;
Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523
&nbsp;
General Advice Warning&nbsp;Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. &nbsp;Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. &nbsp;Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance. &nbsp;Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.

Unpacking Tax: the system and why we pay it

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